I have low iron and have recently (the last 4 days) become faithful at taking my iron pills (I don't eat meat), and I also have a sluggish thyroid... the dr. said it is only very slight so I don't have to take meds for the thyroid unless it gets worse. Well I am so tired and often a little bit dizzy or lightheaded, also been feeling a little bummed out. I have wanted to take a nap every day this week. I don't know which of the two is making me feel this way or if it is a combo of both but its horrible... how long after starting iron supplements should I feel better for the low iron? Anyone have any experience w low iron or a sluggish thyroid?
I also had low iron and low vitamin D. My Dr. told me I needed to take Vitamin C with the iron for it to absorb.
Could you also be suffering from depression?
vegetarians sometimes need b12 injections. have you considered that?
I would add a third component: exercise. I've been depressed and anxious for a while and just 3 weeks ago I started walking 30 minute most days and already feel more energetic. Seems we have to use energy to build energy.
My daughter has a sluggish thyroid and for a couple of years the doctor said she didn't need medication. when she continued to be tired all of the time the doctor prescribed meds and she gradually felt better.
I've been anemic and took iron but it's been too long to remember for sure how long it took but I'd guess a month or so. Because you don't eat meat, I recommend taking a good multi-vit and mineral supplement. Meat contains more than iron.
What does the doctor suggest is causing the dizziness/light headedness? I have a form of vertigo caused by debris in my middle ear. I had difficulty with dizziness and nausea for years before the doctor decided to check the cause. I think it's called benign, paroxysmal vertigo. Physical therapy helps lessen it when it gets debilitating. I'd ask about finding the cause of your dizziness and perhaps treat that also.
With these conditions you're probably at least somewhat depressed and anxious. Doctors recognize that anxiety goes along with dizziness. Perhaps an anti-depressant/ anti-anxiety medication would help.
Hi Robyn,
You also need to be on an absorbable multivitamin as well. Nutritents work together and if you're low on iron there's a reason. Not all vegetarians are low on iron...The multi wil also help with your thyroid. Make sure that whatever you take you have looked into it closely. Some supplements, even iron ones, can do more harm than good if they are not the right one. Walking daily will help as well. You don't have to do a lot but your body needs a jump start...
My two cents.
My sisters both have thyroid issues as does my MIL. In saying sluggish is it making too much or too little hormone? Your thyroid makes the hormone that regulated sleep, so I would see about getting on meds.
try Bcomplex vitamin. It's essential for me. Gives me energy, and lifts my mood.
If your TSH is 4 or higher, it could make you feel tired. 4 is still in the normal range, but it is low normal.
Diet and nutrition? What DO you eat? Be sure you are getting an excellent multi vitamin And that you are eating properly. Do you get enough protein in your diet? You should be getting some type of protein at every meal and even as a snack between meals. Plant protein is fine!
Let me know if you need recommendations. I used to be like you until I got on a good regiment.
